Arkansas Tech University Graduate College student John Whiteside has a piece of advice for anyone, regardless of age, who is thinking about continuing his or her education.

“Don’t question yourself; jump in and do it,” Whiteside said. “The biggest thing that I have found, particularly with the professors in the Department of College Student Personnel, they will bend over backwards to help you as a non-traditional student. They want you to be successful, and they want you to feel at home. Don’t be afraid. I wondered what the young people would think about this old man in their class. They’ve really been accepting. Some of my newest friends are coming from classes I’ve been in. It’s the welcoming atmosphere of Arkansas Tech University … no one should be afraid to pursue their dream.”

A native of Crossett who moved to Russellville at the age of 8, Whiteside graduated from Arkansas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology in 1973.

Whiteside was a member of the famed 1971 Wonder Boys football team that reached the NAIA national championship game.

He continued his love of athletics and education by coaching and teaching in the school districts at Ozark and Russellville before entering private business.

Retired from Russellville Glass since 2000, Whiteside was inspired to pursue a Master of Science degree in college student personnel after his wife, Leigh Whiteside, was appointed to the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees in 2008.

“When my wife was appointed to the board for her first term, I started visiting campus a lot more through events,” said Whiteside. “I was intrigued by the college campus. A good friend of mine, Susie Nicholson, had gone through the college student personnel program. I decided I was going to look into that, and I found out, surprisingly, that they would accept me. So I got started.”

Whiteside has taken the majority of his classes online.

He said that his youngest daughter, Casey Whiteside Brock, has helped him overcome some technology challenges along the way. Through the discussion boards that are an integral part of the online courses, Whiteside has an opportunity to apply his life experiences for the benefit of his classmates.

“My professors say I have brought some interesting things to the discussion boards,” Whiteside said. “I’ve seen a lot of things, and I raised two daughters (the aforementioned Casey as well as Ashley Whiteside Rabun), both of whom graduated from Tech. The most interesting course was the American college student. We talked about generations of students, and how students have changed. I was amazed … it seems like every generation is different. I always go back to what I learned in that course, especially now as I do my practicum in alumni affairs. Every generation is different, and you have to communicate differently to capture their attention.”

A practicum is part of the curriculum for all college student personnel students at Arkansas Tech.

Whiteside’s practicum has provided him with an opportunity to work alongside the staff in the Arkansas Tech Office of Alumni Relations, including Kelly Davis, director of alumni relations at Tech.

Among other activities, Whiteside has assisted in the planning for Arkansas Tech Homecoming 2013, which is scheduled for Oct. 25-26.

“I’ve learned that there’s a lot to it,” said Whiteside. “I’m amazed at the amount of work that goes into alumni affairs, particularly the planning and implementation of events. I’ve been interested in how the various offices can work together to bring alumni back to campus and connect them with current students for mentoring.”

Whiteside is on pace to earn his Master of Science degree in spring 2014. When that day arrives, he will achieve a goal that he has carried ever since his first graduation from Arkansas Tech in 1973.

“This was always on my bucket list,” said Whiteside. “When I got out of school and I was teaching, I had 24 hours toward a master’s degree, but then I went into business. As far as what’s out there after this … I feel like I have another five to 10 good years in me when I could make a contribution. We’ll see what comes about.”